Nymph Sisters

Aurelius's mind raced as he tried to come to terms with the Earth Nymph's revelation. His brows furrowed with worry, and he couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. "But-- it can never," he muttered under his breath. "I do not have the crescent moon shadow on my wings, and Crystal, she is the embodiment of kindness and purity. She could never be the cursed one."

The Earth Nymph's voice carried a mix of compassion and firmness. "Spring faerie, denial will not change the course of fate. The truth is not always what we wish it to be."

Aurelius let out a frustrated sigh, realizing that arguing further with the Earth Nymph would be futile. Her words had already etched themselves deep into his soul, and he knew he had to face the reality before him.

Reluctantly, he looked into the Earth Nymph's eyes and found the strength to answer her question.

"If my mate were to be the cursed one," he began, his voice filled with determination, "I would stand by her side, unwavering in my support and love. I would never bring harm to her, regardless of what the prophecy foretells. I would fight against the universe that threatens her, even if it means facing the wrath of the Fae Kingdom." Even if the crown prince thought otherwise was what he had thought in his head but did not utter.

Aurelius paused, his eyes filled with resolve. "And if, by some twist of fate, I am the cursed one, I would use every ounce of my power to protect my mate. I will rewrite the destiny."

The Earth Nymph's words cut through the air, her tone tinged with a hint of reproach. "Spring faerie, you possess a capacity for love, but do not underestimate the depths of your own selfishness."

Aurelius refused to let her words deter him. "Call me selfish if you must," he declared, his voice tinged with conviction. "But if it means I can have Crystal by my side, I would gladly bear that label. I will protect her, cherish her, and keep her safe from any harm that may befall her."

"Very well," The Earth Nymph's words echoed through the corridor.

As Aurelius stood there, the world around him began to blur and fade. Panic surged within him, his heart pounding in his chest as he struggled to comprehend what was happening before everything darkened around him.

...

Ambrose stood in a corridor engulfed by flames, the scorching heat licking at his skin as he listened to the Fire Nymph. The air crackled with an intensity that matched the flames that surrounded them.

"Two choices, two paths," the Fire Nymph whispered, her voice carrying the power of a roaring inferno. She had asked the same questions to him as the Earth Nymph asked Aurelius.

Ambrose's gaze remained unyielding as the determination in his eyes mirrored the flames that enveloped them.

"If I am the cursed one, I would lay down my life without hesitation, for her happiness means more to me than my own existence. And if she bears the weight of the curse, I would lay my life down to her once again, facing the darkness by myself, for yet again, her happiness is my purpose."

The Fire Nymph's laughter reverberated through the fiery realm, the flames dancing in response to her amusement. "A rare and noble resolve, indeed," she murmured, "But still you too have your selfish desires."

Ambrose stood there with confused gazes as he did not understand what she meant by the 'too'.

"Farewell, fire faerie," she whispered, her voice resonating like crackling flames in the distance.

And just like that, Ambrose found himself consumed by darkness, his figure blending into the inky abyss. The flames that once surrounded him were but a distant memory, replaced by an emptiness that threatened to swallow him whole.

...

Marina stood against the shimmering cascades of water that surrounded her. The gentle lapping of waves filled the air, creating a soothing yet haunting ambiance.

The Water Nymph's voice, soft and melodious like a distant river, echoed in Marina's ears. "Do you not envy your friend, ocean faerie, for her Aether powers? The ability to harness the ethereal energies that elude your grasp? Would you not want to erase her existence if you were to be the cursed one?"

Marina's eyes sparkled with sincerity as she shook her head. "Envy has never found a home within me, dear Water Nymph," she replied, her voice carrying a sense of inner peace. "I admire Crystal for her strength and resilience. Her journey has been arduous, yet she remains unwavering in her resolve. Her light shines so brightly that it illuminates the darkest corners of our hearts."

"Your words speak of a true friend, ocean faerie. A soul unburdened by jealousy and filled with genuine admiration. But what if you really were to be the cursed one? What would you do if darkness tainted your very essence?"

Marina's expression softened, her gaze fixed upon the rippling waters. "If I were the cursed one, I would choose to bear the weight of my own burden. I would willingly let my mate end me, rather than bring harm to any innocent soul, especially Crystal," she declared with unwavering conviction.

"Ocean faerie, your selflessness and willingness to sacrifice for the sake of others are virtues rarely found. May your heart remain pure and steadfast, for it is a beacon of hope in the face of upcoming adversity."

As her final words hung in the air, the waters surrounding Marina seemed to recede, leaving her standing in an empty void. Darkness stretched out before her, a canvas of the unknown. The echoes of the Water Nymph's voice gently faded away, leaving Marina with a lingering sense of introspection.

...

Crystal ventured beyond the sheltered corridors of the castle, drawn by an invisible force that guided her to the open grounds. As she stepped onto the lush expanse, she was greeted by a breathtaking scene of verdant beauty.

Vibrant greenery enveloped her, teeming with life and vitality. The circular space stretched out before her, with the castle walls visible in the distance.

But the tranquility was short-lived as four enigmatic figures materialized before Crystal soon. Recognition flickered within her as she realized one of them was the Water Nymph, instantly identifying the others as her sisters of the elements.

The Water Nymph, adorned in a flowing azure gown that mirrored the ebb and flow of a serene ocean, wore a mask that resembled shimmering water droplets cascading down her face. Her translucent hues captured the essence of her element, while her piercing eyes shimmered like deep, ancient waters.

Next to her stood the Fire Nymph, radiating an aura of intense energy. Her attire, a fiery ensemble of crimson and gold, mirrored the dancing flames that flickered within her domain. The mask she wore was crafted from metallic materials, intricately designed to represent crackling flames. Behind the mask, her eyes blazed with an inner fire, reflecting her fierce determination.

The Air Nymph, with her ethereal presence, seemed to embody the very essence of wind. Her flowing robes, adorned with delicate feathers, fluttered gently as if moved by an unseen breeze. Her mask was crafted from lightweight materials, resembling a swirling vortex of air. Behind it, her grey eyes shimmered with thunderous.

Completing the quartet was the Earth Nymph, grounded and steadfast. Her attire reflected the earth's bountiful abundance, adorned with intricate patterns reminiscent of bark and foliage. The mask she wore was crafted from natural elements, entwined vines and leaves that accentuated her connection to the earth.

As Crystal beheld the enigmatic figures a few feet taller before her, she swallowed hard, praying in her head that nothing shall go wrong.